Virtual reality has evolved in recent years. We have gone from a low quality and certain dizziness when using this technology to an incredible evolution. Nevertheless, the controls have not evolved at all in all this time, that perception of touching is still lost. Microsoft has presented X-Rings, the first 3D monitor for virtual reality to feel objects as indicated WalkingCat.
X-Rings, a monitor so that we can feel what we have at our fingertips
The problem with what we mentioned before is that it offers an intangible reality. We cannot touch objects and we lose that sensory perception when interacting. This causes our senses do not connect with each other and the experience is poorer. But, Microsoft Research has been looking for ways to engage our tactile and kinesthetic senses for some time.
His latest advancement is the controller X-Rings, a novel hand-mounted 360-degree screen for Virtual Reality. It renders 3D objects and responds to user applied grip and tactile force.
The design arises around a series of expandable rings driven by a motor. These will change in size between 5.7 and 7.7cm in diameter. X-Rings make radially symmetrical surfaces operable by the user’s entire hand. The device is tied to the palm of the hand, allowing the fingers to contact or terminate contact with the device. Capacitive sensors and motor current sensing provide estimates of finger contact states and grip strength. With a response time of just 10 ms, the device can accurately replicate the shape of multiple virtual objects in an environment as a user moves.
This is only the first version of said control, but, if development continues, we could be before a revolution in the area of virtual reality. Where we not only feel the objects, but it is necessary to apply a force as in reality.